Sion drinking den dismantled

AN ELABORATE drinking hide built by young people in a field on the outskirts of Sion Mills has been dismantled.

The ad-hoc facility included a tarpaulin, wooden pallets and a surrounding fence. Several bottles of spirits and cases of beer were left at the site which was found at the weekend.

It is also believed that some of the young people, aged up to 17, may have been inhaling aerosols.

The youths gathered at the site on land at Upper Primrose Park. It is understood they remained there for around two hours, before leaving again.

Anyone accessing in the area has now been warned that they could now face prosecution from the landowner.

Andy Patton, head of the Sion Mills Community Forum said the issue had been resolved through engagement with the young people.

“After approximately two hours, the young people left the area, some going to Glebe and the remainder making their way back into the village,” he explained.

“In the early hours of the morning, it was reported that there were horses on the same road. It must be clear to parents at this point that someone could have been injured or killed by these horses on a busy road.

“We got the horses safely back into their own ground, securing the exterior gateway. On examination in daylight, we found that the entire fencing had been taken down and the horses had nothing to stop them. Do we really want children doing this criminal act?

“The landowner has now made a ‘No Trespass’ notice on the land and anyone found it will be prosecuted for trespass.”

Empty alcoholic bottles and cans were found scattered around the area of the drinking den and Mr Patton said there were concerns for the safety of the teenage children involved in drinking.

“We know this is not an activity exclusive to Sion. All areas are complaining of similar issues at this time,” he added.

“Our concern is if a child collapses because of this activity.

“We would ask parents did their child come home intoxicated on Friday night, did they come home with any strange smells on them? Some evidence was found of inhalation of aerosols. This is an extremely dangerous activity and highly addictive,” he added.